An Overview of the Longshore Act

Every year, there are over 27,000 cases that are handled under the Longshore Act or Defense Base Act. Employees that are working overseas or upon navigational waters may be insured against injuries, illnesses, and wrongful death under the Longshore Act or the Defense Base Act. This is a separate and more comprehensive insurance policy for people who work in the maritime and other specialized industry.

The coverage provided by this longshore and harbor workers compensation is fairly comprehensive. It covers monetary loss of salary, medical, and vocational rehabilitation. The funds for this type of protection are provided by an over 747 million dollar account that covers these employees under the Longshore Act or the Defense Base Act.

In addition to the account held in reserve for those injured and eligible for compensation under the Longshore Act, there is also a reserve that is kept for employees. This reserve, which totals over 2.8 billion dollars, is maintained under the Longshore Act compensation program. This longshore harbor workers compensation protects the employees against any employer that may be unable to pay the amount or who may not be in business.

Individuals who are injured and believe they may be eligible for compensation under the Longshore Act should contact a Longshore act or Defense Base Act lawyer. These lawyers and attorneys will review your case, determine eligibility for the program, and even help represent you in court.

Occasionally employees’ claims to be covered under the Longshore Act or Defense Base Act may be denied. Attorneys who specialize in longshore and harbor workers compensation will be able to create a case that will help the employee receive compensation under this type of workers compensation program. The case will detail the type of injury or illness, what monetary losses are present, and medical expenses. All of which is needed to help courts decide a settlement offer for the longshore workers compensation.